A month into my planted betta tank. Way thrilled. Did some maintenance a little before I took this picture.

My driftwood's been soaking for a long time, but was still releasing tannins. A 10% water change every day has been keeping the water crystal clear. Planning on backing down to every other day starting in October.

The java ferns have been chilling in a Critter Keeper in my windowsill for a long time after I found out they couldn't be planted in the substrate; I'm hoping they do well now that they're lashed to my mopani.

Sorry for the shoddy photo quality; I have the choice of my phone or my phone right now. Next time I go home I'll try and remember to grab my camera.

Thinking about taking the cory cats back. They're unstandably adorable, but I really wanted some amano shrimp, which, I think, would be much happier in my small tank. My group of four usually leaves three grouped together and one off by himself, and I feel a little bad. I think they should be in a larger tank. Why didn't I do my research on these? An impulsive buy because of lack of what I really wanted... shame on me...

Cories do not school with cories that look different racist fish arent they. Looks nice but beware the jumpers cories and Bettas are jumpers also floating plants would look beautiful. I just love your tanks.

teeneythebetta: He had a good, long life for a pitbull. 14 years, wow! I know you must have shared many happy years together. We lost our beloved 11-year-old golden retriever a few years back to epilepsy; it was heavy to deal with but it was relieving to know that he wasn't going through that anymore.

Alcemistnv: I like the color and texture the rocks impart to my otherwise rather boring gravel, while still fitting in with the natural theme. Plus, my cories like huddling together on top of a stone as well. I guess the consistent, smooth surface is nice on their bellies. I'm afraid snails would be too much on the bioload; I've heard they're way dirtier than their small size would suggest!

ChoclateBetta: They're all the same species, bought on the same day from the same tank! Funny how they always leave the one with the little dorsal fin spot out. Maybe I'll name that particular one Rudy, like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, haha. Poor little guy. Mr. Fishie likes hovering behind him, just waiting for him to turn around, then scaring the crap around him when he does finally notice that big blue brute over his shoulder. Also, I do have a lid on the tank; I can't tell if it's on here or not due to the light being funny. Since I took it just after maintenance, probably not. It sits down flush with the top rim of the tank and stays on unless I'm changing water or rearranging decorations. Keeping a lid on was probably my first betta lesson. Poor, crispy, suicidal Cinderella... can't blame him, I kept him in a tiny, dirty bowl...

Everyone: Thanks for the compliments :) My boyfriend and best friend are the only other ones who even know this tank exists. It's nice to share it with someone else.

teeneythebetta: He had a good, long life for a pitbull. 14 years, wow! I know you must have shared many happy years together. We lost our beloved 11-year-old golden retriever a few years back to epilepsy; it was heavy to deal with but it was relieving to know that he wasn't going through that anymore.

Alcemistnv: I like the color and texture the rocks impart to my otherwise rather boring gravel, while still fitting in with the natural theme. Plus, my cories like huddling together on top of a stone as well. I guess the consistent, smooth surface is nice on their bellies. I'm afraid snails would be too much on the bioload; I've heard they're way dirtier than their small size would suggest!

ChoclateBetta: They're all the same species, bought on the same day from the same tank! Funny how they always leave the one with the little dorsal fin spot out. Maybe I'll name that particular one Rudy, like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, haha. Poor little guy. Mr. Fishie likes hovering behind him, just waiting for him to turn around, then scaring the crap around him when he does finally notice that big blue brute over his shoulder.

Everyone: Thanks for the compliments :) My boyfriend and best friend are the only other ones who even know this tank exists. It's nice to share it with someone else.

There are different species and strains they only school with ones that look just like them same strain. An 8 gallon is a bit smaller for them but it might work depending on strain my albinos grew two inches some get bigger some get smaller.

There are different species and strains they only school with ones that look just like them same strain.

Tempted to try and identify them now. I'm familiar with large saltwater sportsfish of the Gulf of Mexico, but I haven't really looked much into small freshwater scavengers of South America. Wonder if I could find a field guide with a dichotomous key for them way up here in Alabama. I can already hear Boyfriend's eyes rolling in his head while he sighs, "Fish nerd..."

On the other hand, there's an idea for me when I want to get rich. A field guide geared towards aquarium owners, covering maybe 200 species of popular aquarium fish with keys to tell the different strains and species apart and a seperate section for the plants, and maybe even something for... -trails off-

(Ahem. I'm a marine biology major. This is what happens when you combine career with hobby, I guess.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

An 8 gallon is a bit smaller for them but it might work depending on strain my albinos grew two inches some get bigger some get smaller.

I'm a little worried about this. If I have correctly identified them as false Jullis, then they'll grow to 2" or so. For now, I think I am going to keep them; they've gotten a little better every day about sticking together nicely, but I'm trying to monitor them closely to make sure they seem happy. They're not climbing the tank walls at much; they seem to enjoy the somewhat dark, somewhat cave-ish area created by the combination of wood and plant cover. On the other hand, if they do get too big for this tank, I have a 20L glass box at home...